Hey folks.
I don't get your reasoning: If you buy an A3+ printer, say Canon Pixma 9000pro, why is anybody assuming that (apart from the up front investment in the printer) it is more expensive to print than say on a Canon A4 printer?????
Just because there are 8 or 9 ink-tanks in it (the A3+ printer) that doesn't mean that the printer applies more ink on a given sheet of paper than its smaller A4-cousin.
And as printing A3 yourself is cheaper than in a lab, I doubly don't get the gist of all your replies.
Let me state that again, apart from the price of the printer, the printing costs are the same and cheaper than at a lab!
Any one out there to challenge me on this?

Let me state that again, apart from the price of the printer, the printing costs are the same and cheaper than at a lab!Any one out there to challenge me on this?

No challenge at all. What you say is absolutely correct.

But (well, there had to be a "but" didn't there?) if you only expect to print a handful (or less) of A3 prints per year why not buy an A4 printer, especially if the initial budget is a real concern? As well as saving money or, indeed, not spending money you don't really have you might get more printer for your money (features and/or quality) and you still retain the ability to have an occasional A3 print if you need it by using a bureau.

All I am suggesting is that one size doesn't fit all. For some an A3 printer is ideal and for others an A4 printer is more appropriate. Pace, as they say in Italy.

But Bob. No you're supporting Zorro into believing that he's only good for an A4 printer.
What I am clambering about is that Zorro is entitled to an A3 printer. He's good, he will print more than just a few pics, he just doesn't accept it yet.
He will have a shole lot of fun printing A3 and as I see from his postings will not be content if he doesn't have 100% control of the results.

So let's all encourage Zorro: You need an A3 printer, sooner or later, so maybe perhaps just wait for Santa...

I'll jump in here and also encourage Zorro to go for A3 - there really is such an impact with these bigger prints, and as I mentioned in the Going Pro section, you may even be able to sell some prints direct...

When it comes to selling prints, anyone can get A4, but A3 is that bit more special.

I already know I want an A3 printer. I guess this thread's just an expression of some shameless self-denial.

Everybody's advice is very welcome, but Bob has the gist of where I'm at. Tom, I'm guessing you either a) earn a lot of money, or b) don't have a significant other. Delete as applicable. I'm all out of (a) and a fully paid up member of (b).

My wife might just leave me the first time I pop into PC World and come out £100 poorer and only a very small bag of "paint" to show for it. If not the first time then certainly the next month.

Now, having said all that, Gordon has opened up a whole new can of worms. I happen to know a pub (my local) who has recently renovated the bar. There's been bare walls for the last 6 months and I know the owner thinks it's "cool" but I also know most of the clientele don't.

If I had my own A3 printer I could do things to order. I'd have way more control, as Tom rightly points out. And Gordon's right too. I wouldn't dream of buying a print online. I have bought prints & originals from galleries in the real world though. So Gordon's view is valid. If I had a couple of A3 pictures up in prominent public places, even if I pay for it, that's got to be good for business. I could have a small card in the corner of each frame with more cards available at the counter, behind the bar or wherever.

Hi Zorro, nice you finally caught up To be precise, the Canon Pixma Pro9000 comes equiped with all necessary paints, but while printing you only replace three or four at around 10EUR each. The color I use most is photo-magenta (4), followed by phot-cyan, magenta and yelloy (2 each). Red and green are still shown as "full", etc. etc.
I just want to make the point, that you're certainly not going out of PCW for GBP100 with paints only

Have you always had your printer in your sig? If so, I need to pay more attention to sigs.

Anyway, I was reading up on your printer last night as it happens. It's still very expensive for me. If I was to go the A3 route it more likely be the Epson R1400. I'm having trouble finding reviews of it though.

No, no - I'm not the great nay-sayer. No, really not!
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As a more on-topic asside, I also have the Canon Pixma MP780 multi-fax-scan-printer. But you can combine an A3-printer with a scanner to do copying-work. That also has the benefit that you don't have to throw away the fax and the scanner, when your printer gives up the ghost.

I'm not familiar with Epson's current range, but I would say if you want to sell prints, you should seriously consider an archival solution. Your customers aren't going to appreciate a print which fades quickly when mounted.

Remember you have to sell them something which is different from what they've got or can do at home. A3 is a great upsell, as is something which won't fade (as quickly). You can give your prints extra value by signing them and promising a limited run, of, say, 50 or 250 copies - you MUST stick to this though!

Zorro, maybe you should test the water - get a few A3 prints made of your best shots and see if the pub would hang them. If they do and you get good feedback, then it's a good punt to invest in an A3 archival ink product. If the feedback isn't that great, go for a cheaper solution.

Zorro, maybe you should test the water - get a few A3 prints made of your best shots and see if the pub would hang them. If they do and you get good feedback, then it's a good punt to invest in an A3 archival ink product. If the feedback isn't that great, go for a cheaper solution.